Sermon Notes:-
Hallelujah. Hope as a virtue is an anchor to weather the storms of life. Consider a sailor's experience: he calmly lowers the heavy-chained anchor because he has faith in its grasp. He knows his boat will be there in the morning.
Like that sailor, we have an "anchor" for our lives�hope. In biblical terms, hope is closely allied with faith. Faith is "the assurance of things hoped for" (Hebrews 11:1). Hope is the object upon which we direct our focus and energies.
To the Christian, hope is the knowledge that we are being changed for the better as we trust in God's promises (Romans 8:28). It is the conviction that no matter the circumstances, God's plans for our lives are "for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11b).
Abraham is a model of hope. At 75, God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham had to wait 25 years (Hebrews 6:15), but his hope was rooted in a trustworthy, unchangeable God. The Scriptures describe this hope "as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19a).
Building a Foundation of Hope
Even if you know Jesus, you can still lose hope. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). How did Abraham remain hopeful? He was a friend of God, God's servant, and totally obedient.
- Submit yourself to God: God is the source of our hope. Come to Him in humility (1 Peter 5:6-7).
- Strengthen your faith: Allow God's previously fulfilled promises to renew your hope.
- Trust God's timing: Sometimes God answers quickly; at other times, He allows us to wait.
- Thank God today: Rejoicing enables God to perfect us in ways we are unable to see.
Have you lost hope? You can regain it with Jesus' help. Turn to the Author of all hope right now.
Prayer: "Father, forgive me for not seeing You as You truly are. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart. Let Your Holy Spirit direct me moment-by-moment as I wait in the hope You have given me through Jesus Christ. Amen."
Be still. Forever O Lord thy word is settled in heaven (Psalms 119:89). Jesus never fails. Remain lifted.